Russian civil society is outraged by a law that bans Russian orphans from being adopted by American families. Having acquired considerable wealth and freedom of movement, President Vladimir Putin’s elite is growing increasingly tired of his rule. Whereas before he offered wealth and impunity in exchange for loyalty, he now demands that they take sides in the Magnitsky case, a sacrifice that could yet jeopardise their position in the West. Instead of uniting the elite behind him, this could turn more people against him.